WebStudy Inc. Online Annual Conference ‘07

Intelligent Tutoring – The Future of WebStudy v9.0

Dr. Carol Luckhardt Redfield
Dr. Redfield, Associate Professor, Graduate Program Director, academic advisor, computer scientist/software engineer, and consultant; Edited 4 books; spent over 15 years in software design, development, and management; specializes in expert systems/AI, search/game playing, and intelligent tutoring systems/CBT; developed over 12 expert systems and 3 tutors; mathematics teacher and tutor; space development activist (city in space by 2050); interested in technological learning environments.

Tutoring is the most effective form of instruction for student learning. Computer programs can be used as tutors with expertise embedded in the program from instructional theory, artificial intelligence, and subject matter experts.

This presentation reviews the current status of computers as tutors, defines and gives examples of intelligent tutoring systems, and presents planned enhancements to WebStudy CMS v9.0.  A WebStudy CMS lesson can be modified, by adding a student model that tracks the student’s progress and a lesson navigator, that decides what component of the lesson to present based on the student history and the direction of the author.  In addition to the lesson content, the lesson author will need to provide questions or testing at appropriate places in the lesson and provide a way to tell what the student needs to know at each point in the lesson to continue to the next part of the lesson.  These enhancements will improve instruction and student learning.

Solving the IT Paradox - How Schools can Deliver More Technology Services with Shrinking Resources

John M. Rathje
New Focus Network – Partnering to Provide a New Focus on the Value of Technology

John Rathje is currently an independent consultant working with consumers and suppliers of technology. John was formerly the President and CEO of MiCTA Service Corporation (MSC), which administers contractual arrangements and works with non-profit organizations and vendors to develop and sustain quality, cost saving programs. Through MSC's efforts, ATAlliance and MiCTA members in Michigan and throughout the nation have saved hundreds of millions of dollars on their technology purchases, and they have enjoyed the benefit of detailed vendor program analysis.

Before joining MSC, John was the Director of Advanced Technology at Central Michigan University (CMU) from 1996 to 2000. He was responsible for overseeing asset management, Client/Server systems administration, application development including Intranet and Internet development, security administration and multimedia development.

Rathje received his BS (1988) in Physics and MS (1997) in Computer Science from Central Michigan University.

This presentation is geared for higher education professionals under pressure to deliver services, specifically educational technologies, in the face of a shrinking resource pool. Most organizations face challenges to keep up with the changes occurring in the industry. We will briefly describe these common challenges and suggest partner opportunities and doing more with less.

WebCouncil: Creating Organizational Alignment

Lenny Lind, President CoVision, Inc.
Gisele Larose, President WebStudy Inc.
Lenny Lind, CoVision President is a pioneer in the field of technology-assisted group process – for many years focusing on face-to-face meetings, and more recently adding support for dispersed executive teams and project teams.  Since 1992, he has led CoVision through 3000 client meetings and guided the company through many stages of innovation and growth.  He is also the co-author of the best selling book, Facilitator’s Guide to Group Decision-Making, 1996.

Prior to WebStudy Inc., Gisele has 20 years of experience in healthcare education, marketing, and product sales. Previous accountabilities include Vice President of Product Support for TheraKinetics where Gisele developed and implemented a successful clinical sales training platform. As Division Director of Continuing Education at NovaCare, Inc., a Fortune 1000 organization, Gisele held regional, and then national accountabilities in marketing and corporate training.

The WebCouncil software suite of web-based communication tools can be used to promote problem solving OR accelerate feedback cycles for group consensus or decision making. We'll show you how WebCouncil incorporates:

Process + Facilitation + Software = Results

For short-term projects or longer-term processes, WebCouncil and its team of facilitators and online tools will make communication and consensus building more efficient and effective for groups of geographically dispersed professionals. This consensus-building software from a trusted name among corporate and civic-sector decision makers has been made available to institutions of higher learning through an alliance relationship with WebStudy Inc. and CoVision Inc. Collaborative Decision-Making.Consensus Building. Participatory Governance. These are academic institutional practices that are both time-honored and sacred. And, let's face it, time consuming. Learn how WebCouncil creates an innovative solution to effective group communication for schools, consortia and/or state systems.

Motivation x Content x Interactivity = Online Success!

Daniel Franc, Director of Development, WebStudy Inc.
Daniel created the WebStudy technology shortly after completing his Masters degree from West Chester University in Pennsylvania. Daniel brings a big picture view to educational technology thanks to his international experience and education combining Internet development, organizational development, sociology, and experiential learning -- seasoned with global considerations because of his Czech origin. Daniel was a former Outward Bound Trainer. He is a published author on the subject of e-learning and a member of the European Tutor Network ENTA.

In this session the participant will learn how to choose which online tool for which learning purpose. You'll learn to motivate students to take a more active role in learning and how to use online communication skills effectively. A quality online experience is directly related to choosing the right online tool. Courses come alive when instructors employ the "art" of working with online group dynamics, learner motivation and interactivity using carefully selected online communication tools and online e-tivities. We'll demonstrate best practices and key models that you as an instructor or instructional designer can implement immediately to make online learning motivational, effective and fun. This program meets the needs of all levels of users.

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